PAS 516 - Procedural Skills and Special Populations, 3 credit hours

During this course, students will learn exam techniques for special populations (pediatrics & pregnancy) as well as lectures on various procedural skills which are essential to PA practice. Students will also rotate through the clinical skills/ simulation lab where they will learn invasive techniques such as IV access, central line placement, chest tube placement, medication administration (IM, IV), basic suture technique, incision and drainage, lumbar puncture, identification and use of surgical instruments, donning surgical attire, and concepts of examining special populations. Also the concept of inter-professional education will be introduced through various lecture and lab based activities.

Upon completion of this course, students will have working knowledge regarding common procedural skills to further enhance their clinical decision making. Fundamental procedural competencies relevant to PA practice will be emphasized in lecture and in the skills lab, while other specialized interventions will be introduced from a cognitive point of view.